The Role of the Mouse in the Life Cycle of <i>Aelurostrongylus abstrusus</i>

Hamilton, John M.; McCaw, A. W.

doi:10.1017/s0022149x00021854

Cited by 11 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…2,19–20 Furthermore, not only can L3s survive in hibernating Helix aspersa snails, but L3s can also survive in paratenic hosts, thereby increasing the probability of being ingested by a cat. 21,22…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the USA based on fecal testing

Carruth

Buch

Braff

et al. 2019

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports

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Objectives The aim of this study was to compile commercial reference laboratory data over a 10-year period to determine the distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, commonly known as feline lungworm, within the USA based on widespread fecal testing in cats. Methods The results of 3,610,455 feline ova and parasite (O&P) zinc sulfate centrifugation fecal flotation tests performed at IDEXX Reference Laboratories in the USA from January 2008 to December 2017 were compiled and sorted for tests positive for A abstrusus larvae. The results of 3625 Baermann tests, currently considered the gold standard diagnostic for feline lungworm, were also retrieved from the same period. Results Of the tests performed, 4721 (0.13%) feline O&P zinc sulfate centrifugation fecal flotation tests and 75 (2.07%) of the Baermann tests conducted were positive for the presence of A abstrusus larvae. The O&P data revealed a significant association between infection status and sex, while male cats in both the O&P and Baermann data sets had a higher risk of A abstrusus infection than females. Significant variation in positive rates were observed by region and most positive cases were clustered in the Northeast, Midwest and West regions of the USA. Conclusions and relevance This study highlights the distribution of feline lungworm in the USA and the limitations of using current testing to diagnose this infection. The introduction of higher throughput, less labor-intensive diagnostic methods could help increase awareness of this parasite among veterinary professionals, achieve a greater understanding of epidemiological factors, and improve the care and treatment for clinically ill feline patients.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the USA based on fecal testing

Carruth

Buch

Braff

et al. 2019

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports

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“…The prevalence of A. abstrusus infection ranges from 0.5% (Barutzki and Schaper, 2011) to 57% in symptomatic cats (Jefferies et al, 2010), with variations depending on the tested population and the diagnostic techniques applied. Cats are infected through ingestion of infectious third-stage larvae (L3) from an intermediate (snails and slugs) or paratenic host (mice, reptiles, birds) (Hamilton and McCaw, 1967;Jezewski et al, 2013;Scott, 1973). After migration and further development, the adult worms establish in the lung parenchyma of infected cats, where they reproduce.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detection of specific antibodies in cats infected with the lung nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Zottler

Strübe

Schnyder

2017

Veterinary Parasitology

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Feline aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated respiratory parasitosis. Its diagnosis currently mainly relies on the isolation of first stage larvae from fresh faecal samples. The aim of our study was to develop a serological test for the detection of specific antibodies against A. abstrusus by ELISA. We used recombinant major sperm protein (MSP) of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus as detection antigen and evaluated two different ELISA plates (Maxisorp and Immobilizer™ Amino-plate, Nunc Roskilde, Denmark) with two different enzyme systems [alkaline phosphatase (AP) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)]. Sera from cats experimentally (n=54) and naturally (n=17) infected with A. abstrusus and from randomly selected cats with different medical issues (n=160) were used to determine sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, cross-reactions were evaluated using sera from cats naturally (n=71) and experimentally (n=8) infected with different nematodes. A sensitivity of 100% was obtained with sera from experimentally infected cats at 10 weeks post infection using MSP on the Immobilizer™ Amino-plate with HRP, while it ranged between 90.5 and 95.2% in the other ELISA set-ups. Using sera from naturally infected cats, a sensitivity of 88.2% (95% confidence interval: 63.6-98.5%) was achieved in all four set-ups. The specificity was 85.2-94.4% in sera from uninfected cats prior to experimental infection and 68.1-90% in randomly selected cats depending on the plate and enzyme system. The number of seropositive cats increased over time post infection. Serological follow-up showed a decrease of antibody levels within 30days after anthelmintic treatment. Seropositive reactions were observed with sera from stray cats naturally infected with Toxocara cati, Capillaria sp., hookworms and Taeniidae; however, coproscopic false negative A. abstrusus findings cannot be excluded. The serological detection of specific antibodies against A. abstrusus using ELISA requires a single serum sample and therefore represents a valid alternative for reliable individual diagnosis of A. abstrusus in cats and facilitates mass screening, overcoming the usually difficult collection of cat faeces.

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“…Snails and slugs are obligatory intermediate hosts. Cats become infected by ingesting intermediate or paratenic hosts such as rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles (Hamilton and McCaw 1967;Hobmaier and Hobmaier 1935;S c o t t1973). Clinical manifestations of A. abstrusus infection in cats vary from asymptomatic to fatal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in cats experimentally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

et al. 2014

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Aelurostrongylus abstrusus parasitizes the respiratory tract and can heavily affect the breathing and general condition of cats. Experimental infections of six cats were initiated by intragastric administration with 100 or 800 third-stage larvae (L3) obtained from the terrestrial snail Helix aspersa. First-stage larvae were isolated from faecal samples after 35-41 days post infection (dpi) in five animals and until end of study (84 dpi) in two cats. Cough and respiratory sounds were observed starting from 28 to 41 dpi and dyspnoea and panting starting from 52 dpi. All cats had enlarged lymph nodes and, starting from 56 dpi, reduced body weight, and four cats showed intermittent reduced general condition with apathia and anorexia. Eosinophilia and leucocytosis partially with massive lymphocytosis, and occasional basophilia and monocytosis were observed. Mild anaemia was present in five cats, while alterations in coagulation parameters suggested stimulation of the coagulation cascade with increased consumption of coagulation factors (delayed PT, hypofibrinogenemia). Adult A. abstrusus specimens were isolated from the five patent cats at necropsy and all six cats showed pathological changes in the lungs, including disseminated inflammatory cell infiltrates, often associated with incorporated larvae and eggs. There was some degree of overlap between the severity and the inoculation doses. Infections starting from 100 L3 of A. abstrusus had an impact on the lung tissues and on the health of the cats, despite the presence of only mild haematological abnormalities. Due to the worldwide occurrence of feline lung worms, parasitic infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lung diseases regardless of the presence of clinical signs and larval excretion.

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The Role of the Mouse in the Life Cycle of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Cited by 11 publications

References 5 publications

Distribution of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the USA based on fecal testing

Distribution of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the USA based on fecal testing

Detection of specific antibodies in cats infected with the lung nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in cats experimentally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

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